Elizabeth Peloza

COVID-19 Accessing City of London services during Provincial Shutdown With the Provincial announcement that all Ontario communities will enter a province-wide shutdown beginning Saturday, April 3, many City of London services will continue to be available; however, they will be available online or over the phone, with in-person services available by appointment only or at designated times. There are also impacts to programs and facilities as a result of the shutdown. These ...Continue reading

Has a coyote ever followed you or your dog while you’re walking in your neighborhood or in the park? If so, you may have felt afraid, perhaps thought the coyo...te was stalking you, or that an attack was imminent. But don’t fear. Coyotes are naturally curious animals, and often engage in this behavior called escorting. Escorting is when a coyote, sometimes with its mate, makes sure that you are leaving its territory. This behavior is most often seen from early March to late April, when coyote parents are protecting their precious puppies. Escorting most often happens in early morning or in the evening, and because they may see dogs as a threat to their babies, it’s most often seen by dog walkers. * * What do you do if you’re escorted by a coyote? Don’t panic; the coyote is much more terrified of you! If you don’t have your dog leashed - which you should in coyote country- immediately leash it and keep it by your side. Calmly keep walking, slowly, as normally. Soon enough, you’ll be out of the coyote’s home and he will stop escorting you! On the off chance the escorting coyote starts to approach too closely, shout and wave your hands to frighten it away. As we humans develop more and more woodlands, coyote coexistence has become even more essential; we simply must learn to speak their language. * * Photo: Joe Galkowski #coyotes #coyote #easterncoyote #easterncoyotes #coywolf #coywolves #coexistence #carnivorecoexistence #stopwildlifekillingcontests #wildlifewarriors #wildlifephotography #animalphotography #urbancoyotes #urbancoyote #animallovers #naturelovers #bantrapping #animalcruelty #coexistence #urbancoyotes #urbancoyote #backyardwildlife

For those who missed my Virtual Townhall it was recorded and is available here https://elizabethpeloza.ca/. As a community we engaged in conversation with city staff and London police regarding traffic calming and speeding enforcement. Dr. Mackie shared information around COVID-19 and vaccination roll out and timing. A park update was provided along with highlighting potential upcoming development projects. Please e-mail any questions to me at [email protected]... Opening remarks 00:00:00 Traffic and Transportation Update 00:05:35 Traffic and Transportation Q&A 00:12:30 London Police Services Update 00:35:30 London Police Services Q&A 00:50:00 Middlesex-London Health Unit 00:54:00 MLHU Q&A 01:15:00 Parks and Planning Update 01:30:00 Open Q&A 01:40:00 Wishing you well, Councillor Peloza

It was an honour to be elected in 2018 to serve the residents of Ward 12 and I'd appreciate the opportunity to serve as Councils Budget Chair allowing me to expand my knowledge, leadership skills and my service to Londoners. https://tinyurl.com/vvzvj3aj

In tears this morning at the London Abused Women's Center Virtual International Women's Day Breakfast. Making a donation in Memory of Jessica Nethery, a childhood friend who's life was ended by her ex boyfriend and reflecting on my own lived experience. #WomenForcingChange. Male violence against women needs to end. ... If you are in need of support please know I recognize your courage as you reach out for help. https://www.lawc.on.ca/donate

I'm celebrating my friends, family and community members authenticity today and everyday while working to eliminate the discrimination many face .

Golf season tees off at City of London courses starting Saturday The City of London’s two courses, Thames Valley Golf Course and Fanshawe Golf Course, will reopen to the public tomorrow, Saturday, March 27, beginning at 9 a.m. London’s golf courses offer our residents the opportunity to get out and be active while practicing physical distancing, says Mayor Ed Holder. It's another big sign of spring with golf on the horizon. I encourage those who may not have considered gol...f before to play a round at one of the City’s courses. In a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, physical distancing measures will be in place at both golf courses. Additionally, the City has implemented COVID-19 protocols at our golf courses to keep our golfers and staff safe at all times. For information related to golf passes, instructions on how to book a tee time and COVID-19 protocols in place at our golf courses, please visit london.ca/golf. -30-

City of London Public Service Announcement March 29, 2021 Red/Control category - City of London service updates...Continue reading

Grateful to the Mayor for the recognition. https://www.climatecaucus.ca/.

Just announced for schools. Both school boards would be the same. Dear Parents and Guardians,... Following yesterday’s announcement by the government that Thames Valley District School Board students will not return to in-person learning on January 25, the Ministry of Education has advised that our schools will remain closed to students until at least February 10, 2021. An update on the return will be provided by the Ministry closer to February 10. Students with complex special needs currently attending in-school instruction are not impact by this announcement. The mental health and well-being of our students, staff and families is important. Please visit Mental Health and Well-being or School Mental Health Ontario for information and resources for students and families. Sincerely, Thames Valley District School Board

Decades in the works. The water quality of this Canadian Heritage river has improved allowing for many benefits including species at risk and endangered species to establish themselves. The motion to hire the engineering consultant passed at committee. https://lfpress.com//money-could-soon-start-flowing-to-dec

Recognize your self worth, you are an investment. Step up and serve. More women need to run for public office. More women need to be involved with election campaigns.... The decisions of those in power effect women who are vastly underrepresented in these positions of influence. We need more #womeninpolitics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JaMCdEkQgI&feature=youtu.be

Provincial State of Emergency and Stay at Home Orders Many City of London services will continue to be available, but in-person services will be by exception only Many City of London services will continue during the State of Emergency and Provincial Stay-at-Home Order, but changes will be made to reduce the need for people to leave their homes to access these services. To comply with these new orders, in-person services will be offered only where they are legislatively r...Continue reading

I get another Christmas with my son James because thousands of strangers donated plasma knowing somone would need it. This time last November IVIG, a blood plasma solution, saved my son's life when he was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome and was in the ICU. As a mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to save my child. Visit www.blood.ca to schedule your appointment and save the life of a loved one like James.

Join me this coming MONDAY as I co-host this film screening. Sign up to reserve your spot!

We would like to thank all of our volunteers and sponsors. With your support we were able to feed over 250 hungry Londoners facing homelessness and food challenges. When we come together as a community, anything is possible.

If you had Library late fees- they are GONE! As a London Public Library board member it was an honour to recognize the Library going fine FREE at Council. As the London Library celebrates 125 years they are now fine free for late fees! When COVID struck the library reinstated all library cards that we on hold due to late fees giving those 16,000 card holders instant access to online content. This change helps to solidify the library as a welcoming community space where all ar...e treated equally regardless of economic or social status. While some have stated the fees are a 'pittance' and we should not have went fine free, I'll share this with you. ANOVA has a special partnering organization that donates to pay the late fees of items borrowed by women and children who have fled domestic abuse. when they fled they had to leave their borrowed library materials at home and are unable to return safely to retrieve it. After all the loss our neighbours have suffered, the loss of library access should never occur. Seniors on a fixed pension experienced unexpected medical procedures and expenses. While taking care of their health, their library materials became overdue. Now residents who had used and cherished the library their entire lives had their borrowing rights revoked over their inability to pay the fees. They report feeling shame that NOW have turned to JOY as their debt has been erased. This also allows for: 1. Increased use of the libraries collection 2. The removal of possible feelings of shame and guilt for those unable to pay the fines 3. Increased positive staff interactions with the public. (The staff time invested in collecting late fees was actually a net loss.) If you're in a position to do so, please consider a donation to the library to help expand the collection and digital access for ALL Londoners. https://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/about-my-library/donate Sincerely, A Library user, a mom, a neighbour and your City Councillor https://www.cbc.ca//london-libraries-go-fine-free-so-more-

https://london.ctvnews.ca/shifting-to-high-gear-city-consid

This was a wonderful afternoon working hard to serve lunch to 250 Londoners in need. OEV Cares prepares 1 meal a month made possible by donations. With so much going on in the world and within our own homes it brought me much joy to take time to volunteer and serve others. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who make this act of compassion and kindness possible.

Greetings Neighbours, Many of you have reached out and raised concerns regarding graphic flyers that were distributed to your home mailbox by individuals, not via Canada Post. Thank you for writing me at [email protected] and sharing your personal stories and impacts these graphic images have on you and/or your family. I've been working with colleagues and administration to address your concerns. Below is the motion we're brining forward jointly to the Community and Protectiv...e services Committee on November 3. Recognizing this process will take time for discussion, research and a report back then next steps I recommend the following actions in the interim. Make a complaint to Ad Standards that the advertising is contrary to the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards. https://adstandards.ca/complaints/how-to-submit-a-complaint/ Sign the petition by Deputy Mayor Helmer http://councillor.helmer.ca/stop_graphic_images Provincial Trespass Act Remedy https://www.arcc-cdac.ca/trespass-remedy/ Regards, Councillor Peloza

Let woman and girls know that they are not alone and that there are resources available to help them. Wear purple today as a visible sign of support. #ShineTheLight @endwomanabuse

Notice of the Fourth Series of Open Houses City of London Residual Waste Disposal Strategy Environmental Assessment of the Proposed W12A Landfill Expansion The City of London (the City) has initiated a study under the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act for a proposed expansion of the City’s existing landfill (W12A), which is expected to reach capacity in 2024. The service area for the landfill expansion is proposed to be enlarged to a regional area, which would include: the Ci...ty of London, County of Huron, County of Perth, County of Elgin, County of Lambton, and County of Middlesex. The City wants community feedback on the proposed expansion of the W12A Landfill and is hosting this fourth series of open houses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to abide by provincial government restrictions and other public health safety measures, this open house is by appointment only as follows: November 18 and 19, 2020 Location to be determined 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (by appointment only) To book an appointment to attend please contact Tracey Lee by phone at (519) 661-CITY (2489) ext. 8413 or by e-mail at [email protected]. COVID-19 protection measures will be in place including limiting the number of attendees at one time, physical distancing, mandatory masks, regular disinfection of touch points (e.g., door handles), etc. Details of all COVID-19 protection measures for the open houses can be found at the project website (getinvolved.london.ca/WhyWasteDisposal). It is proposed that the landfill expansion will occur vertically (upwards) within the existing waste footprint and the on-site buffer area expanded to the north and east onto existing City property as shown on the map below.

ATTENTION organizers, conveners, business owners (not parents/participants) of fitness facilities and youth sporting activities. The Medical Officer of Health for London-Middlesex acknowledged earlier today the need -- and a willingness -- to adjust the Section 22 Order issued Wednesday as it pertains to fitness facilities and youth sporting activities. To this end, the Middlesex-London Health Unit will be hosting a virtual town hall targeting stakeholders directly on Friday ...October 23 from 2:30p to 3:30p. They are also hoping to hear from stakeholders to show us that they can meet Ontario’s Stage 3 regs, in particular how they are going to adjust their sport so that there is NO contact (not minimal, none) by educating coaches and refs, issuing penalties for anyone involved in a contact, building language into their contracts, or whatever makes sense for their sport/facility. I suggest those organizers, conveners, business owners (not parents/participants) of fitness facilities and youth sporting activities. reach out ASAP to Lynn Guy at MLHU ([email protected]) and she will follow up with them directly. Regards, Councillor Peloza

You had reached out to me as your Councillor and we discussed the disturbance and impact modified exhaust systems have in our community. I advocated to the Police on your behalf, stating areas and times of day that were the greatest concerns, I'm happy to share with you an enforcement blitz was held and as a result, the following charges were laid: - No muffler or improper muffler (110 charges), Highway Traffic Act; ... - Causing noise likely to disturb (38 charges), City of London Noise By-Law; and - Vehicles operating with emissions control equipment removed (four charges), Environmental Protection Act. Those in violation, caught or not, are encouraged to be a good neighbour and comply with legislation.

City of London Public Service Announcement October 22, 2020 City of London pausing and adjusting recreation and community programs to meet new health measures... Following new health measures for indoor sport, recreational and fitness facilities recently announced by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the City of London is pausing all recreation and Learn to Skate programs as of this Saturday, October 24. Participants who have registered for a City-run program at a community centre or arena starting this Saturday will receive a direct notification about this change and receive a refund or credit to their account for paid programs. The City recognizes the important role that recreation and community programs play for families in London. The City will continue to work with the Middlesex-London Health Unit to adapt and modify programs to meet the new health measures and ensure the safety of all participants, instructors and staff. Once new program details and modified schedules are determined, further information will be shared as soon as possible about the programs and opportunities for registration. Volunteer and sport organizations utilizing City arenas for programming will be contacted directly with new parameters to ensure new health measures are met. The new measures, issued as a Section 22 Order by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, aim at reducing the potential spread of COVID-19 in restaurant and banquet halls, personal care service establishments, and indoor fitness facilities in London and Middlesex County. The measures include requiring fitness facilities to limit classes to 10 participants, including staff and require participants in a fitness class to maintain three metres of physical distance between one another, and to wear a face covering. Aquatic programs offered at community aquatic centres are not impacted by this change and will continue to be offered as scheduled. For recreation information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit london.ca/playyourway. For further information and a list of City of London service impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, please continue to visit www.london.ca/covid-19. -30- Media Contact: Monika Guzy Manager, Media Relations City of London Cell: 226-927-1896 [email protected]

BREAKING NEWS: Health Unit to Issue New Section 22 Orders for Restaurants, Personal Care Settings and Fitness Facilities Come into effect this Saturday at 12:01 a.m... https://www.healthunit.com//health-unit-issues-new-section Also reported here: https://lfpress.com//everything-you-need-to-know-about-lon The following regulations apply to indoor sports and recreational fitness activities including gyms, health clubs, community centres, arenas, exercise studios, yoga and dance studios: The number of people in a class or organized program is capped at 10, including staff Big indoor spaces, including arena ice pads or indoor soccer fields, could have multiple groups of 10 if they’re separated by at least nine metres Class instructors must wear a mask or do their job virtually. Instructors should also wear microphones so they don’t have to shout and should discourage participants from shouting or singing along Everyone in the facility must keep two metres of physical distance from others Advertisement STORY CONTINUES BELOW This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content continued Under the new directives, restaurants, bars, food trucks, concession stands and banquet halls must: Limit dine-in table capacity to six people Make sure customers remain at their tables except to use the washroom, place or pick up an order, pay, enter or exit the facility Separate tables by two metres or a rigid barrier Log the name and contact number of dine-in customers and keep the records for one month Spas, hair salons, barbershops, tanning facilities, tattoo and piercing studios are subject to the following recommendations under the new regulations: The facilities can’t offer services that require clients to remove their face masks Steam rooms and saunas are not allowed to operate Sensory deprivation pods, baths, floating tanks and hot tubs can only be used under the direction and direct supervision of a regulated health professional

London City Councils next phase of #COVID19 recovery in London is the launch of the London Community Recovery Network (LCRN). I'm Co-Leading the Employment and Talent Table with Councillor Squire, Janaki Seijts of Ivey and Robert Collins of LEDC. I'm grateful for the communities engagement and gift of time and talent in moving us forward together. The London Community Recovery Network (LCRN) tables are: * Employment and Talent... * Supporting London’s Most Vulnerable Communities * Community Readiness and Resilience * Strengthening London’s Downtown and Core Area * A Destination Community * Streamlining Collaborative Efforts among Businesses, Organizations and Governments 8 of 14 Councillors stepping up to serve on the LCRN are: (*all were encouraged to participate) Councillor Cassidy Councillor Helmer Councillor Hopkins Councillor Kayabaga Councillor Lewis Councillor Morgan Councillor Peloza Councillor Squire

Planning Application for 1067-1071 Wellington Rd. Initial public feedback by OCT 21 to [email protected] & [email protected] please. ... Submitted comments will be included in a report to the Planning and Environment Committee where it will be discussed. *This has not gone to committee or Council, there is no approved site plan. This is the start of the conversation in Ward 12. This is situated on a rapid transit corridor and is envisioned to be a Transit Village. Ideally the perfect place to live with no car, or a car that can stay parked most of the time as amenities, public and active transit is on your doorstep! Building height, traffic, green space, parking, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, Green roofs/blue roofs, set backs from the road, inclusionary zoning ( a requirement for developers to build affordable units when constructing new marketrate housing) are still all to be discussed. https://london.ctvnews.ca/five-high-rise-apartment-towers-p https://london.ca//public-not/public-notice-october-1-2020

Patio season has been extended! City of London Media release October 7, 2020 City extends temporary patio rules to December 31 to support safe business operations... The City of London will extend temporary measures allowing outdoor patios to stay operational until December 31. This extension is designed to help local businesses continue safely providing goods and services in the months ahead. London’s businesses have shown that it is possible to create truly wonderful shopping and dining experiences while following all health precautions, said Mayor Ed Holder. We must help make the transition into cooler weather as smooth as possible so businesses can continue serving customers safely. Businesses wishing to operate patios beyond their current fall expiry dates are asked to contact the City’s Back to Business (B2B) team at [email protected]. Additional actions are required to maintain and operate patios safely during the colder weather, and the B2B team will work closely with them to ensure the right steps and guidelines are being implemented. Our community’s businesses continue to face tremendous pressure, and the City is committed to helping in any way we can, said Jim Yanchula, Manager of Downtown Projects and Business Relations. The B2B team is here to provide efficient, flexible solutions, and we invite businesses to get in touch and let us know how we can help. As the COVID-19 public health situation evolves, the City will continue to observe, monitor and respond, following the latest guidance from the Middlesex-London Health Unit. More information will be provided later this fall about what to expect for outdoor patios in 2021. The B2B initiative was launched to provide rapid and flexible responses to business’ requests associated with reopening and operating during COVID-19. B2B brings together city staff from permitting, bylaw enforcement, parking, roads and transportation, business relations, planning, and the Clerk’s office, among others. Since its launch on June 9, The City of London’s B2B team has assisted with requests for space allowance for curbside pick-up and sidewalk customer queues, as well as temporary measures using public space for expanded outdoor patios and merchandise displays. For information and guidelines related to the extended patio season, visit the City of London website at london.ca/b2b. -30- Media Contact: Patti McKague Director, Strategic Communications, Government Relations and Community Engagement City of London Cell: 519.854.2873 [email protected]

Being a guest judge for the Social Pediatrics Advocacy Project Presentation Day with Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences was such an honour. Professional presentations on H1 antihistamines, oral health, antenatal counselling, newcomer services, ATV and Trampoline safety. Residents and communities will be well served by the emerging talent and passion within this group as they develop and apply their advocacy skills.

London Transit Commission Update: I am pleased to share that, effective TODAY, the following routes will be adjusted to start earlier in response to customer feedback. Route 24 serves Ward 12 via Commissioners Rd. ... Route Current Start Time Start Time Effective Sept 28 19 8:25 am 5:45 am 24 8:00 am 5:55 am 35 8:00 am 7:00 am This adjustment will help with those customers who rely on these routes to get to work or school in the morning. The routes will be further adjusted in November to have the frequencies returned to a weekday service level.

FREE Bike Light Kits, Halloween, COVID measures, and more! Sign up for my e-newsletter at [email protected] https://mailchi.mp//ward-12-newsletter-october-2020-newsle

Greetings Neighbours, Attached is a listing of organizations offering Emergency Food services throughout London listed by geographical area. Please share this information with others to help ensure help is available to all.

A huge THANK YOU to all those who helped organize and attend the Cleardale Highland Bike Rodeo including: * Andrew and the Community Assocation for hosting * London Police Services for running the physical training course and registering bikes on site to protect against theft... * Jesse from Squeaky Wheel for on the spot complimentary bike repairs * Shelly, London’s Bike Mayor for her entertainment and colouring sheets * London Health Sciences for the donation of helmets for a draw prize It was my pleasure discussing cycling infrastructure feedback with residents and providing FREE bike light kits to attendees. The sound of children’s laughter on a beautiful day was a gift as we came together to learn and practice bicycle safety. I look forward to this being an annual event and it expanding to other neighborhoods in 2021. Happy peddling, Elizabeth

If you're looking for a fun experience while helping a charity look no further! The Drive-In will take place on Thursday, October 29th at 6:30pm showing Coraline. With only 40 tickets available it will be an exclusive event for families to enjoy a little spooky fun while supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario. All the details can be found on the website: https://www.whiteoaksmall.ca/drivein-freakout/

Following the advice of the Middlesex London Health Unit all non-essential visits to the home have been suspended due to the rising number of #COVID19 in #ldnont Virtual and window visit options will remain available As Chair of the Dearness Home Committee of Management, I can assure you that we will continually review these temporary restrictions.... https://london.ca//Suspension%20of%20Non-Essential%20Visit

Today’s the day... get pumped and ride on over!

Keeping the status quo is easy, no fuss, no uncomfortable conversations, no change. Institutional change can only come from within and as elected officials that’s our work to do. For those interested, this is the full motion coming before Civic Works next week before going to Council. After spending months diving into the cities current policies and procedures, engaging in conversations with the Black community, listening to their feedback and asking questions, I drafted th...e motion below. Working towards tangible actions to promote diversity and inclusion and dismantling barriers to accessing local government. I want to insure the city has policies that are both clearly defined, accessible and fair. Part A) Receives the petition B) Allows administration to review the process- currently residents pay $512 to raise their concerns + the cost of the road name change. Then they will consider the petition based on established criteria and resident input. C) Is to help ensure we do better going forward and add the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist to the cities Municipal Addressing Advisory Group (MAAG) as this group reviews and approves street names. D) Allows for community input based on the London Black History Coordinating Committees request. It seeks to establish a list of street names (MAAG approved) that recognizes historic BIPOC contributions to London. This list can be a resource to Developers when naming streets. I don't expect this to be an easy conversation. Some residents are in support, some question why we would fix something that's not broken, while others will point to other things that we could be doing. Simply put, this is one more step in dismantling institutional racism. It's not the end of the work and by no means is it the most important work. But it's something the community asked of me and I humbly thank them for the opportunity to learn and be of service. Sincerely, Councillor Peloza https://london.ctvnews.ca/bid-to-change-slavery-related-nam

Bike Rodeo a Success! Greetings Neighbours, As school is back in and as Londoners continue to take up active transporta-tion for work, school and pleasure it ...was perfect timing to host a Bike Rodeo! On September 19th, the Cleardale Highland Community Association in conjunction with the London Police and myself welcomed residents for a few hours of instruction and fun. This event was a success and we hope to run this event again in 2021, but in the mean time You can register your bike(s) online free with London Police to aid in their recovery should they be lost or stolen https://project529.com/ I gave away bike light kits at the Bike Rodeo and I have a few left. If you would like one, please email me. The Community Association is collecting feedback on what cycling infrastructure YOU would like to see in your neighbourhood. Please connect with them at [email protected] Elizabeth Peloza Councillor, Ward 12 [email protected]

Do you have a spot on your property to plant a FREE tree? City of London Media Release September 15, 2020... Londoners invited to celebrate National Tree Day by planting a free tree To celebrate National Tree Day on September 23, the City of London and ReForest London are partnering to give away 2000 trees for Londoners to plant on their private property. New this year, Londoners will be able to select a tree of their choice online beginning Tuesday, September 15 and select a time to collect their tree through curb-side, contact-free pick-up. Trees will be available for pick-up between September 23 and October 6 at ReForest London, 944 Western Counties Road. In keeping with group size restrictions, physical distancing measures and other health precautions, this year’s giveaway has been modified from previous years to comply with restrictions and with staggered pick-up times to ensure the safety of the public and staff. Londoners can choose from a variety of fruit and native tree species including conifers, ornamental and deciduous trees. Trees are available online on a first come, first serve basis. Residents unsure of which tree is best for their property or looking to learn more about the various tree species available can visit london.ca/nationaltreeday. We really want to continue encouraging canopy cover and biodiversity in London, and offering free trees to Londoners is among the best ways to do that, says Mayor Ed Holder. Trees we plant today will leave a positive and lasting impact in neighbourhoods across London for decades to come. In selecting a free tree and planting on private property, residents are helping London reach the Forest City tree canopy coverage goal to achieve 34% tree canopy cover by 2065. Thanks to the collective efforts by Londoners planting, preserving and caring for trees in the community over the past six years, London's tree canopy coverage has increased by 2.6% and is now at 26.8%. Once planted, ReForest London will register each tree for the Million Tree Challenge; a community-wide initiative to inspire Londoners to plant one million new trees across the city in every corner and neighbourhood. The City of London is committed to providing accessible accommodations. If you require an accommodation to obtain or plant your tree, please call 519-661-2489, extension 4457, and we will work with you to determine a delivery method for your free tree. If you are unable to make it out to this year’s event, ReForest London has another tree depot in October. To find out more, visit reforestlondon.ca. -30-

City of London Public Service Announcement New ways to participate in London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan... This fall, the City of London will continue to develop our community’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. The plan’s development had been disrupted due to COVID-19, but the City is creating more time and new opportunities for Londoners to participate. The Climate Emergency Action Plan is an urgent response to our changing climate. The goals are to reduce London’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Get involved - Londoners can participate online at getinvolved.london.ca/climate. New content has been added and both residents and businesses can review how the plan is being developed, identify what they feel should be priorities in the plan, and provide feedback. Connect directly - Events and in person opportunities to participate have been impacted by COVID-19, but individuals and groups hoping to connect with staff directly can email [email protected]. City staff will also be proactively approaching a number of local organizations this fall and winter to collect feedback. Join the conversation - There are many local initiatives the City of London partners on to help engage residents and businesses with the City’s environmental programs. Green in the City is a series of free environmentally themed workshops this October online. Registration is currently open. My Wild Green Home is a new platform bringing together local environmental organizations, and aims to help Londoners take climate action at home. Green Economy London is launching a new online tool this fall to help businesses understand and improve their energy use. The City of London will continue to adapt and develop new ways for Londoners to participate this fall and winter, and will be sharing updates online and on social media over the coming weeks.

Thank you Canadian Blood Services for allowing my son James to share his story on how generous Plasma donors saved his life when diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The treatment for GBS is administering an Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) solution. It takes up to 1,000 donors to create a dose of the solution! As a regular donor I never anticipated that one day my child would be on the receiving end. Thank you to everyone who takes time out of their busy lives to save the lives of strangers. https://youtu.be/KcABtk8BTaU

Shovels could soon break ground on an outdoor pavilion planned for a south-end park after construction was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A group led by York Developments is donating the $300,000 value of the design and construct of the outdoor pavilion at White Oaks Park. I'm hopeful construction on the pavilion will begin in the fall. No official start date has been set, but I'll keep the community updated. This project started in early 2019 and I'm looking forw...ard to seeing it transition from a sketch on paper to reality. *Please note the ball diamond is being rotated on site, not physically leaving the parks location. https://lfpress.com//after-30-years-and-one-pandemic-londo